Rock quarry expansion proposed near Chinook

BILLINGS (AP) — State regulators are asking for public comment on a proposal to expand a rock quarry near Chinook.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality said the proposal would allow about 53 acres of land to be disturbed over the 50-year life of the mine. A 117-page proposal predicts between 15 and 25 acres would be quarried in the first five years alone.

The proposal is from Great Falls-based Shumaker Trucking and Excavating Contractors. State officials say mining has taken place at the site for 18 years. A change in the company's permit is needed because the size of the quarry would expand significantly with the new proposal. The mine currently only affects about three acres of land.

The 50-acre extension request includes maps and fairly thorough analysis of the consequences of the plan, on wildlife and natural resources.

The ground would be disturbed down to a depth of about 50 feet and blasting would be required.

A portable processing plant, asphalt plant and other equipment would be set up on the site.

Comments must be submitted by Aug. 24.